Open Gold Enterprises sets sights on continental growth

HARARE-based engineering firm, Open Gold Enterprises, is poised for continental expansion after establishing bases in Zambia and Malawi, which are expected to be fully operational by early next year.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Open Gold specialises in coach building, engineering, and the manufacture of trailers and vehicle trucks.
Managing director Vincent Chawonza shared the company’s ambitious plans.

Open Gold Enterprises, Managing director Vincent Chawonza

“We have been growing in leaps and bounds locally over the last 10 years and have firmly established ourselves as a leading player in the industry with branches in the country’s two biggest industrial hubs, Harare and Bulawayo.
“We are now into Zambia and we will be opening a branch which will be operational by next year in January. Thereafter we will be moving Into Malawi where we have already made some inroads.”
He further revealed, “In terms of our expansion plans, Nigeria, Namibia, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo are in the pipeline, but for now we are starting with Zambia then Malawi.”
Reflecting on the company’s journey, Chawonza acknowledged the challenges faced by the local economy but highlighted Open Gold’s resilience and dominance in the sector, with a market share of approximately 80 percent.
Chawonza attributes the company’s success to its ability to navigate challenges and adapt to the operating environment.
“The clientele base we have built up is testament to our growth over the years and I believe we have jumped to pole position in the market, having attracted a number of big customers. Our diverse client base means we have pretty much covered all industries and managed to grow over the years regardless of what others would term tight economic conditions.”
“For us it has worked to our advantage and because we understand that while there are challenges in every economy, what is important is how you navigate those challenges. For us, the operating environment obviously was not as smooth as other economies may be, but we were created to live in this economy and we managed to navigate our way and win.”
The company has 52 employees in its two local branches. – Staff Writer